Arcadia should be ashamed of itself. Yes, the land could sell for more if the buyer developed another mall or other business. But Kare is not a commercial enterprise seeking to profit financially from the land. Just as land is set aside for parks and recreation, which this property is legally zoned for, the value (of recreation) and contribution to the community offered by Kare and its volunteers should be reconsidered. I'm not a Kare member, parent, or affiliate, but, I realized the importance of Kare, AYSO, and other organizations to our youth.

Kare Youth League is nothing but a borderline cult. If you do a little research this place is really scarey and some of the horror stories from former members is interesting to hear and really surprising. My neighbor was a former member and I personally know a majority of the staff is related to each other in one way or another. The place gives me the creeps. the only good guys that were there were Mr. Johnson Sr. who was very ill last time I heard, and Pat Taylor.These two men were the class of the whole place.

To Creepy: From your posting, I wish you would have gone through the Kare program and learned to respect yourself and others.

To the public that would be reading this response, Kare Youth League IS NOT a cult. According to Merriam-Webster, the deifnition of cult is "a religion regarded as unorthodox...." Some of Kare's basic principles that it strives to teach its youngsters include:

1) Everyone is created for a special purpose.2) Respect: Respect for his/her Creator; others; and one's self.3) We are accountable for the decisions and actions that we take.4) The decisions that one makes during one's formative years have an impact in one's future. KYL Motto: "Their Future is Now"

Kare has turned out more than its share of contributors to the community. Many former members that went through the program have gone into area of work that serves others. There are former members that are serving in the educational field as teachers; serving in local law enforcement; serving in the medical field; and serving our country in the armed forces.

The "horror" stories that you claim to have heard must have come from former members who felt lead to go in a different direction from Kare. And that's okay. Not everyone is put on this earth to be at Kare. What one would call a "horror" story, another would say that the event dealt with a life choice the former member had to make.

Your comment that a majority of the of the staff is related to each other. I regret to say that you are mis-informed. Your comment is tying to infer that everyone on the staff is blood-related. There is a large percetange of the staff that are related becasue both the husband and wife have decided that their life's work is to serve youth at Kare. So I guess the majority of the staff is technically related. Or maybe on a philosophical level, I would go even farther to say that the entire staff is related becasue they are all broters and sisters doing God's work for the community.

Now there is one statement I would somewhat agree with you. Both Mr. Johnson Sr. and Pat Taylor are great men. I have had the priviledge of having them as a leader in my life.

Finally, I have one suggestion to make to you and to any one who ever responds to a blog. One should not hide behind an alias when posting a comment. Take responsibility for the comments you wish to interject.

To Concerned Citizen: Donít know if you were at the city council meeting. To all Arcadians, I would invite you to write your city council regarding this decision. I was at the meeting. Some things that were discussed during the council meeting that didnít make the article includes the following.

Before the public comment portion of the council meeting, Assembly Member, Anthony Portantino, gave a status report on the CA State budget negotiations to the city council. Needless to say that Mr. Portantinoís comments were not as upbeat as one would hope. California faces as significant budget deficit. This deficit will have an impact on funding to local governments.

Mayor Harbicht, himself, acknowledged that Arcadia has had to make tough decisions on raising fees or reducing city services to keep the city budget in balance.

I disagree with Councilmen Kovacicís statement that the value of this property is more than what Kare was offering. Letís review for a moment, Kare offered $2.0 million for 1.5 acres. This is approximately $1.3 million per acre. An independent appraisal of the land valued the land at $300,000 per acre. Arcadiaís own Parks and Rec Dept. internally valued the land at $560,000 acre. The property is worth more than what Kare was offering???? Kare was offering a priced that was 232% over what Arcadiaís own internal valuation

The land in question is not located in a high traffic retail/commercial/or residential area. It is land-locked. On one side of the line is Kare. Two sides is the golf course. The fourth side is the reservoir. Also keep in mind that this land is within the El Monte School District. There isnít even a public street that leads to this land. Any Arcadian curious to know what this land is, take a walk along the reservoir walkway that runs on the south side of the golf course.

For the regular golfers that frequent Arcadia Par-3, Kare, the land in question represents the sixth(???) hole. Kare, in addition to its $2.0 million offer, offered to pay all of the costs necessary to re-locate that hole to the area of the golf course currently being used to store and dumpster and the occasional dirt pile. Also, Kare offered to build a new bathroom facility for the course.

To me, the most disconcerting outcome of this decision is the potential impact on the 53,000+ citizens of Arcadia that neither golf at the Par 3 nor utilize the services of Kare. The City Council had a golden opportunity to bring in much needed funds to the City for a piece of land that is of little practical value to anyone else other than to the golf course or Kare. If I am not mistaken, the City plans to initiate a project to renovate city hall. I heard that the initial cash payment to get this project started is $2.0 million. With local government funding getting squeezed, where will the city go to raise the initial cash payment or funds in general for this project? Perhaps from the citizens and businesses of Arcadia through higher fees or increased tax revenue to pay back borrowings.

It is unfortunate that the City Council couldnít get passed the internal politics regarding this proposal. It seems that the City Council passed on $2.0 million in favor of the dumpster/dirt pile area. Perhaps it is more prudent to hold out for more money from another buyer. But keep one thing in mind, the City plans to enter into a new 20-year lease with American Golf. So the land will continue to remain a golf course and dumpster/dirt pile area for the next 20-years.

So to "Practice What You Preach", ball is back in your court. Will you hide?

Perhaps you you or "Creepy" can provide some examples to support your asertion of the cult-ish label.

Since the 1950's, people who disagreed with the philosophies of the organization have tried to smear Kare by trying to place this label. If it were the case, the organization would have gone by the wayside long ago. But no. It is still here. It will be around as long as there are children to be served.

I was a member for ten years. It was scary, it was unfair, and it was anti-parents. Sure they quote the bible, buts its in a very self serving way, not really mainstream at all, and not really helpful in developing a normal personality. I could tell you stories that you probably would not even believe; things that were said AND done to kids that would never qualify as anything but scarring and traumatizing. And they truly think they are right, so it's impossible to argue with them.The original philosophy of the group was created by Orrick Hampton Sr., a scary and unpredictable man who mostly bullied the more unpopular kids and tried to get them to leave, and tried to seduce the more charming ones to stay and work in the organization. There's a lot of hidden things that the parents of these kids don't know. At least that's how it was when I was there. I think that's the biggest "cultish" characteristic. You'll notice that most the kids that stayed there had no family unit to return to, and this in effect, became their family. I know some of this is opinion, but trust me, it's worth it for you to check it out beyond it's appearances.

Our family has been involved with Kare Youth League for 5 years. I have NEVER seen nor heard anything to lead to a "cult" conclusion. The coaches and staff are incredibly dedicated to all the children for a positive year round sports experience. Parents ARE included in the booster club, picnics, award ceremonies and yearly Rose Bowel KYL Fair. Yes, some of the staff are related. I personally see nothing wrong with a family business, or people marrying with comman interest of serving children in their communities. I would not call that a cult.

Kare Youth League is nothing but a borderline cult. If you do a little research this place is really scarey and some of the horror stories from former members is interesting to hear and really surprising. My neighbor was a former member and I personally know a majority of the staff is related to each other in one way or another. The place gives me the creeps. the only good guys that were there were Mr. Johnson Sr. who was very ill last time I heard, and Pat Taylor.These two men were the class of the whole place.

I was a member for ten years. It was scary, it was unfair, and it was anti-parents. Sure they quote the bible, buts its in a very self serving way, not really mainstream at all, and not really helpful in developing a normal personality. I could tell you stories that you probably would not even believe; things that were said AND done to kids that would never qualify as anything but scarring and traumatizing. And they truly think they are right, so it's impossible to argue with them.The original philosophy of the group was created by Orrick Hampton Sr., a scary and unpredictable man who mostly bullied the more unpopular kids and tried to get them to leave, and tried to seduce the more charming ones to stay and work in the organization. There's a lot of hidden things that the parents of these kids don't know. At least that's how it was when I was there. I think that's the biggest "cultish" characteristic.You'll notice that most the kids that stayed there had no family unit to return to, and this in effect, became their family.I know some of this is opinion, but trust me, it's worth it for you to check it out beyond it's appearances.

This is so family oriented. I put my kids through the program because of its commoradity. where else can you make life long friends except for the military. Not to mention championship sports teams, historical trips that include europe. You should consider yourself lucky to have been in kare. what incident occured to you that makes you call this a cult??? i'll tell you, NOTHING!!!!! your just jealous.

Well, let's talk about the real truth. first and foremost let's separate KYL from Rio Hondo Prep. Yes, they are the same organization, but two really different ways they are conducted. KYL is an amazing program that offers boys and girls many opportunities and it is cultivated by leaders who were involved or attended Rio Hondo Prep. Overall, it is a pretty good way of teaching children the basics with minimal focus on the bible.Rio Hondo Prep School is a different story. A cult for sure. If you didn't attend as a youngstger don't even try fitting in. If they can't mold and manipulate you, you will be forced off the compound that is hidden at the end of the street. It is extremely incestuous with everyone and their Mother related to each other. They monopolize the neighborhood and are a tight nit group. The ones who fall into the trap are yes, the young who are seeking a family unit. Prior years, you were only to marry within the compound. Supposedly, things are changing. This is so very true. I personally know of one who is so engaged he can't see straight. The KYL Church is a joke. The Pastor hardly ever preaches the word and has guest speakers doing his job. At least, this was back when I was involved in the gym. Not sure what it is like now. They shelter the children to be very unsocial with society and are creating an environment where rebellious behavior is in the air. When they leave, they face the real world and hopefully don't lose their minds. They need to modernize the administration, remove the Pastor and include bible study as a class. They do not provide bible or chapel like every other "Christian" school I have been involved in. There are some benefits, but they do not outweigh the way it is run. The attendance is way down and they think that putting an expensive gym will increase the enrollment. With there reputation taking a dive after a sexual molestation incident, bullying and other things that are kept under wraps they will crumble very soon. I would never send my child to this place ever. This article is a true reflection of why you should stay away from the school. I would recommend praying for the children and putting it all in God's hands. The school is old and falling apart. Everything is so antiquated, but they will have a state of the art gym. The gym will be utilized by KYL which may increase that program, but with the way the word is spreading, they will not survive. Uncredentialed teachers and friends and family members are the leaders. I can only be positive and say I hope the best for this place and those who are trapped within. There are many private schools with waiting lists and triple the enrollment than Rio Hondo. God Bless the Children.

I really think Madonna hit the nail on the head. When my son was in Kare, I thought the world of his two adult leaders. They were great guys, very encouraging and treated everyone the same. As for the school, it is a different story. I have a child in the K-5 sister school, Pearl Prep, and I am really regretting my decision. They talk a good game with their values, zero tolerance for bullying and small class sizes. The problem with that is if your child is in a class with a bunch of kids who are related to other organization members, and they have an issue with one of these kids you will always be wrong, and you will be without friends because some of these little angels go out of their way to turn others against you. It's like the faculty can't possibly fathom that one of their own might be in the wrong. I have been told much the same by parents of current and former students who are "outsiders". We have never even been invited to attend their church, and I just have the strong feeling that they want my tuition check, and they want my child, but have no use for my spouse and I. I was asked if I was considering attending Rio Hondo, but considering that my child would have to continue going to school with the same kids who have been making him miserable for the past couple of years,on top of some of what I am reading here and I couldn't begin to commit to that.There are some good caring people there and at Pearl, but not enough to overcome the favoritism and behavior of some of these "insider" kids.

Well, another case of sexual abuse between students occured at Rio Hondo Prep. It seems that the administration and faculty cannot get their arms around running a christian "so called" based school without having to spend countless hours on investigating behavior incidents between students, coaches and faculty. This will sooner or later expose them and shed the true light on what goes on at the compound. A male student was expelled for inappropriately conducting an act to a female student. Is the issue with the parents at home, not instilling christian values or morals or is it that the administration condones it. They will continue to crumble as an organzation and sooner or later these individuals at the top will be moved on to new careers. The media will be chomping at the bit to hear the latest. I would recommend that the Board of Directors take a good close look at who is in the top positions at RHP and make some changes immediately. It is about time that they replace all of the carpet at this place and see everything that has been swept under it. The new gym will for sure be an added value commodity for the children, but surrounded by a foundation and existing buildings that are crumbling before their eyes. Take a good look RHP staff and make changes before it is too late. The children are the priority, not your interest and 401 retirement plans that you recently received, only by a generous donation, not because your attendance can afford such a plan. So many other true Christian schools who offer daily bible study and chapel by real Pastors have waiting lists. This school may have to take a tumble before they crumble. The weak stay and the ones who can be molded and manipulated because they are seeking love and attention from thos who enjoy being worshiped and idolized. You may even call them altar boys if you wish. However, the church has no altar....What happens at RHP stays at RHP...Sin city, Vegas style.

I read for awhile and had to skip ahead and just say: I was a Kare Youth League kid from 1988 to 1992. It was not a cult of any kind, and there was no more corruption in KYL than there could be found in ANY ORGANIZATION.(I experienced NO corruption myself). What KYL did do for me, true to their motto "The future is now", is instill in me the values it claims to and does teach. I was allowed to be a kid in an environment where pressure to be thin or sexual, or a need to defend myself against bullying or hatred were non-existent. Since my years in KYL I have been down several roads, tried out several lifestyles. But now Im a mother myself, and I wish there were a program like Kare Youth League near our home, because I see a need for that kind of environment for my own girls, now 10 and 12.

Please, if you are concerned for what KYL stands for and provides, read their history section on their website. If you had a negetive experience, I am sorry for you. Nobody is perfect, and that includes organizations for children, and you can't make all the people happy all the time.

If you are opposing a new Kare Youth League facility in your community because you believe they "might be bad for the kids"....sorry but you are focusing on the completely opposite side of what you ought to be concerned with. Go make a difference for the better in your kids lives, really and spend your time keeping some REAL concerning things out of their lives.

I attended Boys & Girls Christian League for several years in my childhood and was fortunate enough to return to Rio HOndo Prep for 3 years in high school. This was a truly wonderful organization. Sadly, I chose to leave because of a bad choice I made when I was a senior which had I listened to the loving guidance of Mrs. Johnson my life would have turned out completely different. I would have absolutely no problem recommending the school & Kare Youth League as it is now called to anyone. I had some remarkable experiences while I was there and cherish both the time & the people. Not every organization is for everyone. One thing we were taught is not to judge harshly but to accept people for who & what they are. I do not harbor resentment for those who haved blogged such unkind experiences, however, if that is their opinion, so be it. As long as everyone understands there is always 2 sides to every story.

To Creepy: From your posting, I wish you would have gone through the Kare program and learned to respect yourself and others.To the public that would be reading this response, Kare Youth League IS NOT a cult. According to Merriam-Webster, the deifnition of cult is "a religion regarded as unorthodox...." Some of Kare's basic principles that it strives to teach its youngsters include:1) Everyone is created for a special purpose.2) Respect: Respect for his/her Creator; others; and one's self.3) We are accountable for the decisions and actions that we take.4) The decisions that one makes during one's formative years have an impact in one's future. KYL Motto: "Their Future is Now"Kare has turned out more than its share of contributors to the community. Many former members that went through the program have gone into area of work that serves others. There are former members that are serving in the educational field as teachers; serving in local law enforcement; serving in the medical field; and serving our country in the armed forces.The "horror" stories that you claim to have heard must have come from former members who felt lead to go in a different direction from Kare. And that's okay. Not everyone is put on this earth to be at Kare. What one would call a "horror" story, another would say that the event dealt with a life choice the former member had to make.Your comment that a majority of the of the staff is related to each other. I regret to say that you are mis-informed. Your comment is tying to infer that everyone on the staff is blood-related. There is a large percetange of the staff that are related becasue both the husband and wife have decided that their life's work is to serve youth at Kare. So I guess the majority of the staff is technically related. Or maybe on a philosophical level, I would go even farther to say that the entire staff is related becasue they are all broters and sisters doing God's work for the community.Now there is one statement I would somewhat agree with you. Both Mr. Johnson Sr. and Pat Taylor are great men. I have had the priviledge of having them as a leader in my life.Finally, I have one suggestion to make to you and to any one who ever responds to a blog. One should not hide behind an alias when posting a comment. Take responsibility for the comments you wish to interject.

I find it interesting that all of Kares goals do not have much of an emphasis of a relationship with Jesus Christ, nor the message of salvation, grace, and power of the holy spirit in their lives to enable them to live out the lives that they strive for. Where is the core message of the gospel? Are spiritual gifts emphasized? Is God's love emphasized rather than judgment, guilt and shame? is the emphasis on unfailing love and acceptance by the Lord or works? Is the church service open to the rest of the brothers and sisters of the body of Christ?

Well, let's talk about the real truth. first and foremost let's separate KYL from Rio Hondo Prep. Yes, they are the same organization, but two really different ways they are conducted. KYL is an amazing program that offers boys and girls many opportunities and it is cultivated by leaders who were involved or attended Rio Hondo Prep. Overall, it is a pretty good way of teaching children the basics with minimal focus on the bible.Rio Hondo Prep School is a different story. A cult for sure. If you didn't attend as a youngstger don't even try fitting in. If they can't mold and manipulate you, you will be forced off the compound that is hidden at the end of the street. It is extremely incestuous with everyone and their Mother related to each other. They monopolize the neighborhood and are a tight nit group. The ones who fall into the trap are yes, the young who are seeking a family unit. Prior years, you were only to marry within the compound. Supposedly, things are changing. This is so very true. I personally know of one who is so engaged he can't see straight. The KYL Church is a joke. The Pastor hardly ever preaches the word and has guest speakers doing his job. At least, this was back when I was involved in the gym. Not sure what it is like now. They shelter the children to be very unsocial with society and are creating an environment where rebellious behavior is in the air. When they leave, they face the real world and hopefully don't lose their minds. They need to modernize the administration, remove the Pastor and include bible study as a class. They do not provide bible or chapel like every other "Christian" school I have been involved in. There are some benefits, but they do not outweigh the way it is run. The attendance is way down and they think that putting an expensive gym will increase the enrollment. With there reputation taking a dive after a sexual molestation incident, bullying and other things that are kept under wraps they will crumble very soon. I would never send my child to this place ever. This article is a true reflection of why you should stay away from the school. I would recommend praying for the children and putting it all in God's hands. The school is old and falling apart. Everything is so antiquated, but they will have a state of the art gym. The gym will be utilized by KYL which may increase that program, but with the way the word is spreading, they will not survive. Uncredentialed teachers and friends and family members are the leaders. I can only be positive and say I hope the best for this place and those who are trapped within. There are many private schools with waiting lists and triple the enrollment than Rio Hondo. God Bless the Children.

My son is in 5th grade and has been in KYL since was in kinder. He loves it and i think its a great organization. I did however hear the same thing from a friend of mine that went to that school for a very long time. She stated it was a lil cultish and that is why she left the school and decided to graduate from a public school. That is what she said. I cant speak from experience. As far as KYL is concerned, this is has been such a great experience for my son and my nephew and nieces. My nephew has cerebral palsy and was welcomed with open arms. He has gained so much confidence because of his accomplishments in KYL. I have never experienced anything bad or cultish or whatever you want to call it with KYL

I'm hiding because if these nuts know I wrote about them they will try to make my life a living hell. They know me and I know them. Let's say a make and sell widgets. They will tell my kids widgets are eveil, not of God. That is a cult my friend. If they see me on the street they will ask if will donate some widgets or money to them. If not they will treat me like I am Satan. That is a cult my friend. Do they have any teachers or "leaders" that they ever hired from the normal outside? NO. They are former students there, every one. That is a cult my friend. Only they start their brainwashing in kindergarten, where most cults seek college age students. That's the most serious part. Go ahead send your kid there I don't Kare it's your life.

Tell me when this thread is updated:

Add your comments below

Please note by submitting this form you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite.
Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator. Send us your feedback.